| John Gross | president |
| Jim Jackson | vice president |
| Bill Waltz | secretary |
| Joe Riter | treasurer |
| John Margaroni | director |
| Bob DeRoss | director |
| Ed Rea | director |
| Richard Holubek | director |
| Steve Scibior | director |
| Don Woodams | Don Kenney Memorial |
| Bill Waltz | Eugene Perpetual |
| Bob DeRoss | Fishmaster of the Year |
Ken Hower won a bamboo rod built and donated by Art Frey, at the dinner which was hosted by our outstanding dinner crew - Jordan Beyer, Les Junge, Ken Hower, Don Woodams, and Ken Eugene.
John Gross sent in a great collection of photos and a personal letter, which say more than my summary of the year's events can say. Here's John in person:
"'Commemorating ten years of the Peninsula Fly Fishers ... July 1987'
"I first heard of the PFF through a letter sent by Ray Kidder at the inception of the club. My only fly equipment purchase up to that time was a Fenwick seven foot coombination spin and fly rod.
"I was busy fishing in those days and didn't realize the value in joining a club when I tossed Ray's letter aside. A short time later I met Bob DeRoss who sparked a greater interest of fly fishing in me than I ever had before. He suggested I investigate the possibility of a membership in PFF as he had joined shortly before and was very impressed with the club's activities. I enjoyed those first meetings but was informed that a ceiling of 100 members had been reached and that I was fourth in line for consideration. However, no one ever said that I couldn't attend meetings, fishouts, or other events. Bob invited me to he first Redondo fishout where I met Tom Kilfoil, Ken Eugene, and Bil Kreisl. They showed me the ropes and few of the lines and some decent fly fishing equipment. This was before Bill and I went into the business and the Orvis Co. began seeing a lot of my signatures. It wasn't long after, that I met Hower, Junge, Neubert, and Jackson and thought what a bunch of wild turkeys they were.
"As the fly fishing fever became more rampant (I gave the combo rod away), Bob D. showed me how to meld feathers, floss, and steel and Larry Glenn refined the techniques for me. Don Kenney took much patience to instruct me in the usage of a whip finisher. But the fishouts were really the highlight of the club. Yuba and Sacramento Rivers for shad with Paul Moore, Richard I., Bob Shadle, and all the aforementioned people were outstanding. Remember the salmon that Tom hooked on a shad fly? Then there were events some of us would rather forget, such as tubing for bass at the gold fields, eh Jack? Or the engine trouble suffered by Bill Fritsche miles away from the camp on the Feather River trip. Those and other trips to Pyramid, Stony Gorge, Eagle Lake, Martis, and Milton all had special happenings worth remembering. Just ask tow dogs! Of course, newer members wouldn't know that's John Margaroni and I certainly would never tell.
"The club always encouraged mini-fishouts like Loreto, Baja, turkeys in Alaska, Holubek and Co. in the Bahamas; stormy Belize with lightning rods, aka idiots with graphite sticks; two yanks in New Zealand; two yokels on Fall River; and friends of PFF on an expedition to Patagonia, Chile. The very best fishing, however, that I availed myself to through my affiliation with PFF and the wonderful people I fish with is the summer steelhead of British Columbia and the silver king tarpon of Florida.
"To me the club has been a relevation. If I lived through two lifetimes (whatever that means) I could not have learned about fly fishing the way I have with you people, present and past. Taking a role in the club was very important in these goals. As bulletin editor, a tremendous amount of information came my way. Holding office brough many benefits especially in regard to meeting and knowing club members.
"I salute the members, the leaders, and the future. Remember, too, the all important fishery and the care we must show it.
"With sincere appreciation
(signed)
John Gross"
...highlights of the year: New member, Frank Marchi, winning the "Fly of the Month Competition"; Ken Hower and Rod Neubert entering th IGPA record books for salmon; Hal Janssen, Fishouts galore, the 1983 Decathalon, the third annual Gazos Creek Barbeque and finally, all dues in before July. sometime in either John's administration of Jim Jackson's responsibility for programs was passed from a program chairman to board members.
John Gross completed an outstanding year despite the loss of his wife. We all admire his courage and love of the sport that gives us such comfort and pleasure.